MBBS in USA 2024: Colleges & Cost of MBBS in USA for Indian Students

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a doctor with a global edge? Consider MBBS in the USA!

For Indian students aiming to be doctors, the USA might seem unconventional compared to the traditional MBBS route. But what if we told you it could be a life-changing experience with unique benefits?

MBBS in the USA offers a world-class medical education and top-notch institutes.

Did you know? Over 4500 Indian students are already pursuing their studies in the USA

This blog will provide all the necessary information and guidance to help you pursue your dream of studying MBBS in USA.

At a glance:

Duration	4-5 years
Average Annual Fee	INR 17L – 55L
Average Salary	INR 13 crores
Language Proficiency	1. IELTS – 6 -7 Band score 2. PTE – 50 – 70
Other Test Requirements	1. NEET – Above 50th percentile 2. MCAT – 511 or above

Let’s explore!

Why Study MBBS in USA?

Here is why you should pursue your MBBS in USA:

• MBBS in USA for Indian students is a good option due to the country’s reputation for providing comprehensive medical education and training. 
• An MBBS degree program completed in the USA is recognised in India.
• An MBBS degree program completed in the USA allows Indian students to practice medicine in India after clearing the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). 
• The competition for job opportunities after completing an MBBS degree in the USA is high.

Top 10 Medical Colleges in the USA

MBBS in the USA is highly regarded, and colleges are designed to provide in-depth knowledge and hands-on clinical experience to prepare students for a challenging and fulfilling medical career. 

Here is a list of the top 10 medical colleges in the USA:

Medical Colleges	Annual Fees (INR)
Harvard Medical School	57L
Yale School of Medicine	1 crores
David Geffen School of Medicine (UCLA)	27L
UCSF School of Medicine	49L
Vanderbilt University	74L
John Hopkins University	63L
University of Pennsylvania	54L
Columbia University	55L
Duke University	52L
Stanford University	17L (per quarter)

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in USA

You must have a 4-year bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with majors in biology, physics, and chemistry, which is considered eligible for medical schools in the United States. 

Other requirements for a medical education school admission in the United States include:

1. English Language Test: You should have passed an English language competence test. Depending on the university, you may be required to take one of the three standardised exams: IELTS or PTE. The grading structure and pattern for each of the three assessments are different. Check the medical college site to verify which language exams are accepted and what percentile is required before applying.
2. MCAT (The Medical College Admission Test) Score: The MCAT exam evaluates a candidate’s ability in several areas. In the United States, it is a prerequisite for studying MBBS. The computer-based test’s multiple-choice questions examine potential medical candidates’ thinking, aptitude, and knowledge. The test lasts 7.5 hours and can be given three times per year. All six sections have a maximum score of 528, with a median score of 511.
3. NEET: Indian students must pass the National Eligibility Exam with qualifying marks to pursue MBBS overseas

Documents Required for an MBBS in USA

To pursue an MBBS degree in the USA, the documents you would need to submit are:

• Academic transcripts of prior studies. An approved agency evaluates international transcripts.
• Relevant test results
• Certificate of English proficiency
• Copy of a valid passport
• Recommendations letters
• A mission statement
• Resume/CV
• An investigation of the applicant’s criminal history is conducted
• F1 Visa for students
• Photocopies in passport size
• Letter of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose

Admission Process for MBBS in USA

In the United States, universities and medical degree schools have a streamlined MBBS admissions process, which is as follows:

• First, fill out the forms and submit your applications to as many universities as possible to increase your chances of receiving responses. 
• You must include letters of recommendation with your application.
• To get admitted to an MBBS programme in the United States, you must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This computer-based test assesses your reasoning, scientific, and writing abilities. You can attempt the exam three times a year. Like other MBBS admissions or entrance exams, the MCAT is difficult, but it is possible to get an excellent score with consistent practice and work.
• You can also opt for a scholarship to get funds for tuition fees and living costs.
• You will be encouraged by most of the top medical universities in the USA to apply through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).

Cost for MBBS in the USA

The cost of studying for an MBBS (or the equivalent MD program) in the USA can be quite high compared to other countries. Here’s a breakdown:

• Tuition Fees are the biggest expense. Yearly tuition fees can range between INR 14 Lakhs and INR 50 Lakhs (or USD 18,000 to 86,000 ). Some sources even estimate a wider range of ₹ 17 Lakhs to ₹ 55 Lakhs per year.
• Total Program Cost: Considering an MD program typically lasts 4 years in the USA, the tuition fees alone can add up to around INR 54 Lakhs to 2 Cr (or USD 72,000 to 344,000 ).

Cost of living in the USA 

The cost of living in the USA varies depending on the city and state you are living in. Generally, the cost of living in big cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles is higher than in smaller cities. 

Your major expenses include accommodation, food, transportation, entertainment, and other miscellaneous expenses. On average, the cost of living for a student in the USA is around INR 12L per year, including accommodation and other expenses. 

Below is a list describing the cost of living in the USA for Indian students

Type of Expenses	Average cost (INR)
Accommodation	16L – 19L
Healthcare	5L
Transportation	1L
Food	7L
Miscellaneous	7L – 8L

Summing Up

In this blog, we learned how to study MBBS in the USA for Indian students. It offers a unique journey if you want to become a physician. The United States Medical Education system is renowned for its extensive curriculum, cutting-edge facilities and wide range of experience in the field. 

Although an MBBS from the USA has some strict admissions standards and perhaps a high cost of living, the United States is undoubtedly one of the greatest destinations to pursue a doctorate. The medical course syllabus leads to a payoff of a stable, well-paying, and satisfying career path.

For more guidance on how to apply for MBBS in the USA, you can contact our LeapScholar Team.